Tennessee State Representative Calls For Memphis To Secede Over Redistricting

The representative, Antonio Parkinson, argued that the redistricting plan effectively divides Memphis, which has a significant Black population, across several congressional districts. This would dilute the city's voting power in federal elections, according to the lawmaker.

Parkinson made the remarks during a public address on the issue. He stated that remaining part of Tennessee under the new maps would continue to marginalize Memphis residents' voices in Congress. The redistricting process followed the 2020 census and was completed by the Republican-controlled state legislature.

Tennessee's congressional delegation currently includes a majority of Republicans.

Under the new maps, portions of Memphis would be moved into adjacent districts that lean Republican. State officials have said the changes comply with federal voting laws and reflect population shifts. Parkinson's call for secession is largely symbolic, as separating a major city from its state would require approval from both the Tennessee legislature and Congress.

No formal legislative steps toward secession have been introduced. The proposal has drawn attention to ongoing debates over how redistricting affects urban representation. Memphis officials have previously expressed concerns about the new boundaries.

Legal challenges to similar redistricting plans have been filed in other states, though none have yet been reported in Tennessee regarding this map. Parkinson has represented parts of Memphis in the state House for more than a decade.

His statement reflects frustrations shared by some local leaders about the redistricting outcome.